4 independent reviews for Cultural and rural tour of North East India
Reviews for Cultural and rural tour of North East India
Benn Greenspan review 28 Mar 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The village stays and the safaris2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Let your tour company know, explicitly what your expectations are.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It exceeded all our expectationsGeoff Cruickshank review 16 Dec 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park and the walking tours we did in Kolkata. This was our third vacation to India and, as before, we were staggered at the sheer scale and variety of life you encounter. The vibrancy of the cities and the people who live, and manage to eke out a living, there is amazing. We always try and avoid organised tours/walks and had some intriguing times just wandering around the local markets, but having said that the guided walking tours we did in Kolkata ( via Calcutta Walks) were brilliant ( maybe helped by the fact we had a great guide and were the only people on those particular trips!!2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't be afraid to get into the back streets, the local markets etc and try the street food. We never felt threatened or in any way uncomfortable whether during the day or evening. Also don't get too obsessed with hygiene, forever using sanitiser etc etc . We took very basic precautions and didnt have any bouts of "Delhi belly". Also, don't get hung up on taking photos of everything - concentrate on enjoying the moments as they come.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, especially as we weren't part of an organised tour so were able to spend money in the local street stalls rather than hotels chosen by the guides.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
As is inevitable with India there were one or two hiccups, specifically we had to change our plans for visiting Shillong at the last minute because of an outbreak of inter state violence which meant we were advised against traveling there! However, such is all part of the unpredictability you just have to accept. We had a great time and are already contemplating another trip to India next year. We would also like to thank Gaurav of the tour operator who arranged parts of the vacation for us. He went way beyond the call of duty in dealing with any little problems that arose, at pretty much any time of day and night. He is a really helpful guy and just the right person to have on your side!!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you such a detailed review Geoff. I appreciate that you have mentioned about being safe in India. Contrary to the general notion, India is safe destination to travel in. I am glad that we were able to put together the vacation just the way you wanted, and you and Sarah were pleasing to talk to.
Kwok Ha review 25 Mar 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
In Kaziranga National Park, it is wonderful to see the rhinoceros, deer in the glassland closely. This national park can maintain the original appearance. It is surprise to walk through different types of bridges, especially the living root bridge. It is the wisdom of local people. We enjoy to stay in the cottage which is the homestay in Kongthong village. It has the characteristics of local home with a clean, silent and comfort environment. Cheerful chatting with the village lady and understand the tradition practice of not naming a baby with call each other with vocal sounds.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Drinking water is the important concern in Kolkata. The quality of water in North East regions become much better. Currency exchange in the airport of Kolkata is low and need to pay tax.The tax rate is up to 9-10%, horrible. Therefore bring the ATM card is the best way to get the IR currency or exchange in your own country.3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Sure it is.4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall this vacation is relax and can recharge on a whole. I can see the big difference between the city, Kolkata and rural village of India. I enjoyed the silence and cleaningness in the north east region of India. The curry of different meals have different taste that most of them are yummy, especially the mutton curry. Thank you Gaurav for arrangement of the whole vacation. I can know some of the culture and the living of the people in North East India.Read the operator's response here:
Dear Ha, we all really enjoyed hosting you on this tour. The driver and all the hosts were happy, and specifically mentioned to me that they enjoyed hosting you. I am glad that your first visit to India was memorable. Yes, I do agree that the exchange rates are not too good at airports, and we always advise people to use debit cards. We can probably include this point in our checklist next time. I do hope to see you and Chigo again in India.
Pat Willis review 5 Apr 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Living with the families and seeing their day to day lives.2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack light and don't expect luxury but enjoy the peace and wonderful hospitality3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes some of the homestays were community based and everyone benefited from the visitors4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
A wonderful experience so rare to find such an unspoilt country and nothing done just for tourists. If you are looking for an authentic experience off the beaten track this is the tour for you!Read the operator's response here:
Thank you Pat. We enjoyed hosting you, and glad that you enjoyed the experiences of living like a local. Come to India again soon. :)
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